One of the most common questions I get asked is "what resin do you use?" and I thought it would be helpful to review the ones I currently use and those I've tried in the past.
You can Buy KSResin here, it's my affiliate link which means if you purchase from it I get a little compensation to go towards my next resin purchase.
I recently purchased KSResin's Liquid Cast (casting resin) and Liquid Art Epoxy. I had tried the liquid art resin already but wanted to have some on hand to compare to the casting one. I was curious how much of a difference could there be.
The Liquid Art Epoxy is a standard 2 part epoxy mix at a 1:1 ratio. No VOCs and very low odor. This is a nice high gloss resin perfect for doming or clear layers. The working time is stated 45mins plus which was pretty accurate and of course can shorten if you let large amounts of mixed resin sit and heat up. It has a good thickness once mixed which makes it easy to dome with but this means you need to mix a bit more slowly since it will form bubbles. The bubble formation is standard and fairly good compared to other brands. Since this resin is best used for shallow layers or top coats its easy to pop any bubbles. The curing time is great, its safe to touch after a few hours and fully cured in 3 days (depending on temps of course). Once cured, the resin is beautifully clear and shiny.
1 gallon will cost you 70$ USD which is very reasonable. PLUS unlike many resin companies, KS Resin sells an small 8oz kit for 15$ USD which is ideal for testing it out.
The Liquid Cast Epoxy resin is also a standard 2 part epoxy mix at a 1:1 ratio with No VOCs and very low odor. This was my first time trying it and I AM IN LOVE.
-easy to mix, thinner than the art resin
-much more bubble resistant
-working time is amazing, it only slightly starts to thicken at 45mins
-cures very clear and glossy
The casting resin is meant for deeper molds so its ideal for making trinket trays. The only real drawback is you have to be patient: the full cure time is much longer than normal resin. It needs about a full 24 hours until safe to touch. It is still flexible for the first 48 hours so be careful demolding. It will get totally solid after a few days. This is actually a positive thing (like if you are pouring multiple layers or attaching other things onto your piece with resin) because resin bonds the strongest before it is fully cured. That's why resin can "pop off" other layers or separate after curing.
The casting resin runs a bit more at 90$ USD a gallon and 18$ for the 8oz.
KS Resin is my new favorite and go-to resin. I use both types for optimal quality. They also make pigment pastes for resin (which I have yet to try).
All in all, KS Resin is highly recommended. The quality is wonderful, the prices and size options are reasonable, and they don't attack or block artists like some brands *Cough Cough Fauxrizzle/Promarine*
Got any questions? Want me to review another resin brand? Feel free to send me a DM on Insta or via the contact button on my website.